The State Government’s plans to slash 75 per cent of the funding from the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre Alliance will hurt regional and rural patients.
The Nationals Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad has urged the government to reverse its planned cuts, saying the fallout from the decision would unfairly impact people living in the regions.
“Families across Northern Victoria have been impacted by cancer, including my own, and the number of Victorians diagnosed with cancer is continuing to rise,” Ms Broad told Parliament.
“More than 35,000 Victorians were diagnosed with cancer in 2022, and rates are worse in regional areas.
“Regional Victorians are 10 per cent more likely to be diagnosed with cancer than those in major cities and 47 per cent more likely to be diagnosed with melanoma. Lung cancer is more common, and head and neck cancers are 33 per cent higher in regional males.
“Over the last 30 years Victoria has led the way with cancer research, and this massive funding cut makes no sense.
“It will slash vital cancer research programs, lead to a loss of jobs and reduce the support available to patients.”
Ms Broad said the Liberals and Nationals urged the Minister for Health to reverse this decision and restore funding to the VCCC Alliance.
Media Contact: Linda Barrow 0484 303 764 linda.barrow@parliament.vic.gov.au
